“The facilities are amazing, with FRP labs, and a CAD suite specifically for use by yacht design students”
BEng (Hons)Yacht Design and Production
Apply on UCAS
Available through clearing
- 2025
- 2026
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
UCAS code: 21B6
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104-120Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a yacht and powercraft design degree at Solent University
Plot a course for your engineering skills - specialise in naval architecture for power- and sail-craft. Solent’s highly regarded degree is taught by experienced marine architects and designers.
- 0yearsof yacht and powercraft design and production at Solent University
- 0thin the UK for teaching satisfaction in mechanical engineering, out of 69 institutions (Guardian Uni Guide 2026)
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities
- Prestigious guest lecturers from key industry organisations such as the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA), Nigel Gee BMT, Babcock Engineering, Gurit, Sunseeker, Rob Humphries Design and Norbert Sedlacek (Open 60 skipper).
- Full access to specialist design and construction facilities, including industry-standard CAD and drawing offices, as well as a fully equipped specialist composite workshop, a 60m hydrodynamic test tank and static four-metre stability tank.
- Some of our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Laurent Giles Naval Architects, Sunseeker Yachts, Humphries Yacht Design, Monaco Marine, Viareggio Shipyards and Incat Crowther Design.
- To help you build your professional network, you will be encouraged to attend local boat shows, including the Southampton Boat Show and Seawork International. Previous students have also been on yard visits, with recent trips including Sunseeker, Green Marine and Solent Refit.
- One of Solent's key areas of research is science and engineering with the creation, sharing, and application of insight, innovation, and knowledge for safe, sustainable seas – you will learn direct from leading experts in their field.
- Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course overview
Solent’s internationally-recognised yacht and powercraft design course focuses on small craft technology, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and design practice, delivering essential engineering theory and design skills.
Previous students have benefitted from attending guest lectures by speakers from key industry organisations such as the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA), Nigel Gee BMT, Babcock Engineering, Gurit, Sunseeker, Rob Humphries Design and Norbert Sedlacek (Open 60 skipper).
To help build their professional network, students are encouraged to attend local boat shows, including the Southampton Boat Show and Seawork International. Previous students have also been on yard visits, with recent trips including Sunseeker, Green Marine and Solent Refit.
This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries – industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.
If you’re looking to study our yacht design and production degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the science and engineering foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the science and engineering foundation year.
Accreditations, recognitions and memberships
Part of:
Student work
Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at those who want to design smaller leisure craft such as sailing boats and powercraft.
Students learn the fundamentals of yacht design alongside the latest construction methods to gain a solid grounding for roles in yacht design, naval architecture or equipment design.
What does this course lead to?
Course graduates have gone on to various industry roles, including naval architect or design engineer, at companies such as Laurent Giles Naval Architects, Sunseeker Yachts, Humphries Yacht Design, Monaco Marine, Viareggio Shipyards in Italy and Incat Crowther Design in the USA.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The course is delivered by a team of specialist naval architects, yacht designers, and production designers, supported by computer-aided design (CAD)/drawing office instructors and fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) workshop instructors. All team members come from the yacht and small craft industry and maintain their close links through consultancy, design practice, and professional bodies.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Students have full access to the University’s specialist facilities, including our composite construction workshop, yacht drawing office and modern CAD office, which is equipped with the latest commercial marine design and production software, as well as a fully-equipped specialist composite workshop a 60m towing tank and static four-metre stability tank.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Computer Aided Design
You’ll focus on the fundamental engineering drawing skills required by yacht design and production students in order to produce a set of 2D design and build drawings for either a sailing yacht or motor vessel and its components.
Naval Architecture
Introducing the practice of naval architecture design, you will learn to use and apply geometric parameters which help determine the hull shape for the vessel. You’ll apply design tools used for producing an initial hull form that meet certain design criteria in order to produce a suitable and stable hull.
Marine Materials and Production
This module provides an introduction to the different materials commonly used in the construction of marine craft and other various components found on board. You will also learn the production processes involved in the construction of boats from these materials.
Structural Mechanics
Understanding how to ensure the structural integrity of a vessel is a key element of designing a safe vessel. This module provides an introduction to the fundamental core material on which both structural mechanics theory and marine craft structural design are built.
Marine Systems
You’ll learn about mechanical and electrical marine systems typically installed in small craft and examine the nature and range of marine systems fitted on board, to gain an understanding of the technical aspects considered for the design and installation of small craft marine engineering components.
Yacht Engineering Skills
Almost all aspects of yacht design are underpinned by a knowledge of mathematics, and you will learn skills for yacht and small craft designers to transpose formulae for problem solving.
Core modules
Computer Aided Modelling
Due to the plethora of design software used in the marine industry, this module will ensure that you develop the ability to transfer design information effectively between different software packages.
Sailing Yacht Design
The focus of this module is on the practical design of sailing boats, and this module gives you a unique opportunity to gain experience of sailing yacht designs for craft up to 24 metres in length, as well as working on a range of sailing yacht design case studies.
Motor Boat Design
The aim of the module is to develop the student’s technical design skills alongside the CAD design skills as required in a design office for motorboat design. The module also provides students with authentic ‘real world’ experience close to the typical design office practice associated with motor vessel design practice.
Resistance and Propulsion
This module continues to build on the principles covered in the first year, this time concentrating on the prediction of hydrodynamic resistance and powering requirements of small craft hulls.
Marine Production Technology
This module addresses the detailed aspects of how you manufacture cored Fibre Reinforced Composite (FRC) structures specific for marine production. This involves a theoretical knowledge which is backed up with practical experience of how to manufacture a comprehensive range of sample panels in controlled environments.
Applied Marine Systems
To refine the marine system integration process, you will gain an overview of regulations applicable to marine engineering systems. You will also acquire an appreciation of marine mechanical systems and finally, you will gain an introduction to the issue of ‘Green Design’ and environmental considerations.
Core modules
Computer Aided Engineering
This module focuses on modern CAE techniques employed to evaluate the technical and statutory aspects of design. You will draw on your computing skills as well as technical design theory to utilise this knowledge in practical design scenarios, enabling you to make quick, efficient design choices.
Structural Design for Production
This module develops the application of structural design principles and methodologies to a variety of small craft structures. The module relies heavily on taking a computer assisted engineering approach to calculate structural loads.
Project
Carrying out project work is one of the most critical skills for your future career as an engineer. In this module, you will carry out a project in a topic area chosen by you. You will be encouraged to undertake project related to real world application that allows you to build upon and expand your knowledge for renewable energy and engineering.
Optional modules
Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.
Yacht Surveying
Professional surveyors rely on a mix of practical experience acquired over a number of years and in depth understanding of yacht construction methods and materials. This module provides a practical in-depth study of the techniques and methodologies of surveying a range of construction methods for Yachts and Small Craft.
Marine Production Management
You will learn about modern production management theory, covering issues including resource allocation techniques including critical path analysis, lean manufacturing, earned value analysis and the project office environment.
Applied Yacht Manufacturing
This Work Based Learning module is to develop a reflective approach to working practice, by experiencing and developing a range of degree-related ideas and concepts for professional working environment, to prepare you for industry.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Written exams
- Practical exams
- In-class tests
- Online tests
- Technical reports
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in yacht design?
The UK has a strong pedigree in yacht design. According to British Marine, the industry is supported by over 38,000 jobs across a variety of roles, with over 10,000 new boats produced in 2019 for both domestic and international markets.
Solent’s yacht design and production degree boasts race-winning designers amongst its graduates. Other have also gone on to work as naval architects, design engineers and yacht designers at companies such as Dubois Yachts, Sunseeker, Monaco Marine and Viareggio Shipyards.
During the course you will benefit from a full programme of RINA Southern Joint Branch lectures, as well as guest speakers from industry companies such as Nigel Gee BMT, Babcock Engineering and Gurit.
You’ll be encouraged to attend local boat shows, including the Southampton International Boat Show and Seawork International. We also organise yard visits, with recent trips including Sunseeker International and Solent Refit.
You could earn:
Naval architect
Starting salary: £25,000 to £35,000
With experience, salaries can range from £35,000 to £50,000, rising to £60,000 in some instances for senior naval architect posts.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“The facilities are amazing, with FRP labs, and a CAD suite specifically for use by yacht design students”
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MSc Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design
Discover the latest techniques to develop new, sustainable superyacht and marine craft designs. Benefit from the combined expertise of our yacht engineering teaching team and Solent's Centre for Marine Sustainability to build your knowledge.
Find out moreTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,535 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:
Optional costs
- Foundation year
Normal stationery requirements and printing costs will come to approximately £30. There may be very minor costs (circa £30) for optional materials in the degree related project. - Years one to three
Minor materials: approximately £80
Field trips to local shipyards in final year: approximately £100
Minor costs for final year project: approximately £50
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500 per year - this includes foundation years.
Find out more about the scholarship
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two A-levels, including one STEM subject, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D*, in a STEM based subject, or T-Level Merit, or equivalent, which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- Entry to year two may be offered to applicants holding an HND in an appropriate subject.
- A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma will be considered in conjunction with other qualifications.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application
How to apply
Want to apply through Clearing? Contact us today
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
UCAS points: 104-120
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
